expired Posted by trekkie963 • Jul 6, 2021
Jul 6, 2021 1:32 AM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
expired Posted by trekkie963 • Jul 6, 2021
Jul 6, 2021 1:32 AM
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera $1198 at B&H Photo
$1,237
$1,845
32% offB&H Photo Video
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One is full-frame, the other is not.
Both the A7 II and the A7RII, as well as more recent models such as the A7RIV and A7IV(not yet released) are both full frame sensors, just with differing resolutions and features. You can pick the model based on your needs and photography style.
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This uses the older generation of battery that was finally discontinued because of how poorly it performed in this very camera (and how much it got slammed by reviewers). Essentially battery consumption increased generation upon generation, but battery capacity stayed the same resulting in this camera where you'll want the battery grip + two batteries just for the 10% less shooting time (as opposed to 55% less with only the included battery).
Plus the older batteries counter-intuitively work out more expensive. One of the batteries this takes is $50, whereas the newer batteries are $75, but since they provide 122% more capacity (1020 mAh vs 2280mAh) you'll be paying less per shot/per mAh/etc. Also note that one newer battery takes up less space than two of the older batteries (and weigh less when including the battery grip).
Generally speaking, the a7rii is a good sensor in a bad body. It has a terrible battery, poor auto focus by modern standards, slow burst shooting, a slow processor and small cache, lower quality evf, a screen that doesn't fully articulate, poor touchscreen functionality, very limited weather sealing, poor ergonomics, and relatively poor video capabilities.
All in exchange for higher resolution that will only be realized when using a tripod with sharp and costly prime lenses. The reality is that for the vast majority of users, that's not a good trade off.
Eye AF not as good as the newest Sony, but better than this.
Density of the PPI while not as good since its only a 24mb sensor is still found by many people to be superior to this one in the final image.
Regardless, the most important thing that can't be disputed is the Z5 can be used with a power bank. You don't have to worry about battery capacity or the price per mAh ever again.
Also, the lack of an automated focus stacking feature is missing versus competition, which is also super annoying.
For 1k I don't disagree its a fine deal if all you do is landscape photos on a tripod. But you'll want to spend at least another 1.5k in lenses and 300+ for a tripod, then more for filters. Why go cheap on the body? You can get the riii for like ~$700 more. Worth it if you're already spending 3k+ on the full setup imo.
The success of A7iii and later has lifted the favourability of many older Sony cameras too but I'd say please do not apply Sony's current image to older cameras and specially when spending so much $$$ stay clear of older bodies.
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The a7 IV is actually a pretty significant camera it will be the first to combine the menu system from the A7S III, the autofocus from the A7C, with an upgraded sensor and more processing power all at hopefully a sub-2K price point.
Also, the lack of an automated focus stacking feature is missing versus competition, which is also super annoying.
For 1k I don't disagree its a fine deal if all you do is landscape photos on a tripod. But you'll want to spend at least another 1.5k in lenses and 300+ for a tripod, then more for filters. Why go cheap on the body? You can get the riii for like ~$700 more. Worth it if you're already spending 3k+ on the full setup imo.
Regarding the expensive lenses - if you're getting into Sony ecosystem, you're going to use those lenses for a long time anyway, well beyond the life of this particular camera body. When you're tired of it, you will sell it for the price close to what you paid for it. Try it with III or IV...
And no, D750 and z50 are still no match for this one on IQ, in fact, like I said, this is simply the best IQ you can buy for this price, brand new.
Regarding the expensive lenses - if you're getting into Sony ecosystem, you're going to use those lenses for a long time anyway, well beyond the life of this particular camera body. When you're tired of it, you will sell it for the price close to what you paid for it. Try it with III or IV...
And no, D750 and z50 are still no match for this one on IQ, in fact, like I said, this is simply the best IQ you can buy for this price, brand new.
Regarding IQ, its easier to make up for that than it is things like the battery or screen. First off, the z5 and D750 have MORE dynamic range than the a7rii. If you need more resolution, you can merge multiple shots and get far more than 42 mp. Granted, that adds complexity and difficulty. But so does swapping batteries and avoiding moisture and craning your neck to see the screen.
I can shoot at 1600 with no noise on the A7r3. Its insane!
I'll happily switch to an R4 once prices come down on them more. I paid $1100 for my R2 on the used market about a year and a half ago.
Eye AF not as good as the newest Sony, but better than this.
Density of the PPI while not as good since its only a 24mb sensor is still found by many people to be superior to this one in the final image.
Regardless, the most important thing that can't be disputed is the Z5 can be used with a power bank. You don't have to worry about battery capacity or the price per mAh ever again.
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I can shoot at 1600 with no noise on the A7r3. Its insane!
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